Description

“a blaze from heaven descended on him while he was conducting this extremely good First Symphony. He sets a well-nigh perfect tempo for the march and follows with a really lively, excited allegro. Even better though, the playing captures that elusive vein of fantasy that is Elgar … moments of magic explain why Elgar wraps himself round our hearts … are all here in the beautifully balanced recording. Marriner knows where he is going and the final pages are superb.” (Gramophone)